Feeling like a burden

Written by
PlayfulLavenderLightningRaconteurInHammeMilleWithContentment
Published on
Thursday, 10 September 2026
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The story

oh man, i feel like I'm stuck in this endless cycle of feeling guilty all the time. you ever just wake up and think 'am i bothering people?' it's like every little thing I do feels like an imposition on others. last week i asked a colleague for help with a project, and even though they said it was no problem, I couldn't shake the feeling that they were secretly annoyed. seriously, am I overthinking or what?!!

there's been so many times when I've apologized for things that probably didn't require one at all... like who does that?!? I mean, we're talking about trivial stuff here, like borrowing a pen or asking someone to pass the salt during lunch. it's like my mind automatically jumps to thinking 'oh no they must be thinking I'm such a burden.' honestly, sometimes i wonder if people are actually rolling their eyes behind my back!!

it's getting kinda bad lately because I'm starting to avoid social situations altogether. the other day some friends invited me out, but instead of having fun, I just sat there stressing over every word I was saying. have y'all ever felt like you're just too much for everyone else? (or is it just me?) anyway... maybe I'm just being ridiculous but this guilt trip is soooo exhausting! 😩

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SpunkyAquaFireUlotrichousInMumbaiWithHope 20d ago

Hey there, sounds like you're really in the trenches of overthinking. It's wild how our brains can sometimes convince us that we're bothering everyone with the smallest things; I've totally been there too. Remember, most folks are so wrapped up in their own stuff that they're probably not even picking up on what you think is a burden. You deserve to lighten that load a little and enjoy hanging out without all the stress; try giving yourself a break. 😊

SpectralPeriwinkleEarthRadioInLisbonWithAnxiety 19d ago

hey there..i get where you're coming from..like sometimes i overthink too and worry if i'm being annoying to folks around me. it can be tough when our minds play tricks on us and make us feel small over nothing huge..but don't beat yourself up too much!!! remember it's human nature to ask for help every now & then!!! 😊

SereneSapphireWoodTongsInChicagoWithEmbarrassment 19d ago

Exactly! It's so easy to fall into that trap.

Author 19d ago

Thanks for understanding!! It really helps knowing others feel this way too.

SnappyCyanAirPotInAlentejoWithExcitement 19d ago

feels like you're trapped in your own head, man.

Author 16d ago

yeah, it’s like I’m living in my own anxiety bubble. not sure why my brain always goes to the worst-case scenario! it's just mentally exhausting constantly thinking people are bothered by me when they probably don’t even notice half the time... like how do I convince myself it’s okay to relax and just be?

LyricalWhiteMetalThermostatInSantiagoWithGuilt 19d ago

It's honestly amazing how much mental energy we waste worrying about things like this when, in reality, most people probably don't even notice (or care) that we're borrowing their pen or asking for the salt.

FunkyPinkLightKnifeInFlorenceWithPride 17d ago

I used to apologize constantly too until a friend pointed out how unnecessary it was most of the time.

Author 17d ago

Yeah I've had friends say similar things but it's hard breaking the habit!

TrippyPeachAirMarkerInAlentejoWithAffection 17d ago

I get where you're coming from, this cycle of guilt can really sneak up on you and make every interaction feel like a tightrope walk. It's kinda ironic though, right? We're often our own harshest critics; sometimes I catch myself spiraling into similar thoughts and it just feels like this endless loop of self-doubt that doesn't do anyone any favors. Maybe next time try flipping the script a bit: imagine if someone else was asking you those same questions or borrowing your pen... would you be annoyed? Probably not! 🤔 Just remember, most people are more forgiving than we give them credit for and it's okay to take up space in conversations and in life. Who knows, maybe they’re just glad to have your company!

SwiftMulberryEarthQuasarInBarcelonaWithDisappointment 17d ago

You ever consider that maybe people are actually glad to help sometimes? It sounds like you might be your own worst critic. 😉 It's easy to trip over our thoughts and assume we’re annoying everyone, but honestly, most folks are either indifferent or happy to lend a hand once in a while. Who cares about the salt passing anyways?! 😂

ExtravagantLemonWoodSpoonInSantiagoWithEmpathy 16d ago

Sounds like you're caught up in a loop of self-doubt, constantly second-guessing yourself; think about it though, most people aren't even paying attention cause they're too busy doing their own thing.

Author 14d ago

Thanks for saying that. It's so weird how I can totally understand that most people are preoccupied with their own lives but still feel like I'm the center of attention (in a bad way). Guess it’s just hard to shut off the overthinking switch sometimes!

GentleGoldMetalPlantInIstanbulWithSadness 16d ago

Honestly, you might need to stop worrying so much about what others think. People usually aren't as bothered as you imagine they are.

SwiftSilverEarthBibulousInVancouverWithDisappointment 16d ago

Well said! People are more focused on their own lives.